Press Release: Bismarck Purple Heart Recipient Dale Thomsen Honored During National Tribute Event
Local Army Veteran Represented North Dakota’s Purple Heart Recipients
During the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project
(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient was recently honored as one of the nation’s 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Army Specialist 5 (SP5) Dale Thomsen represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as North Dakota’s representative at the multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded. The Purple Heart Patriot Project is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The all-expenses-paid trip included visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s Headquarters, a special tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other unique tributes.
“Dale and his fellow Patriot Project honorees represent the best of the best our country has to offer,” said Richie Lay, a Purple Heart recipient and Chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “America’s Purple Heart veterans have given so much to defend freedom and that sacrifice must always be remembered. These brave men and women are true American heroes. We were privileged to be able to provide this unique salute to service for our Purple Heart heroes.”
“Our Purple Heart recipients have made enormous sacrifices for America, and this was our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation. For some, it was the homecoming they never had. We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and we were pleased to honor Dale for his courage and service, both during combat operations and in the years since returning home,” said Col. Russ Vernon (NYARNG Ret.), the Executive Director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
This year’s Patriot Project honorees included men and women Purple Heart recipients from World War II, the Vietnam War, Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and other conflicts, representing all branches of the service and ranging from 37 to 100-years-old. The event took place between September 18 – 22 in New York.
Asked what he would want others to know about his service, SP5 Thomsen said, “My service was not only an opportunity to grow up personally, but it prepared me for future life challenges and the ability to objectively problem solve and overcome obstacles. Serving in the Army taught me to follow my dreams and ambitions and built upon the core things my parents taught me, such as respect, discipline, drive to work hard, and to care for others and the world we live in. It also provided me lifelong friends throughout the United States that I am thankful to have been blessed with. I keep in contact with many of them today.”
Thomsen enlisted into the U.S. Army in November 1966, serving for the next three years as a member of the 610th Transportation Company, including a tour in Vietnam. In March 1968, while he and other members of his unit were sleeping, SP5 Thomsen was startled awake by the sound of sirens warning of an incoming mortar attack. While he and other men were scrambling for cover to the bunker, mortars began landing in the company area as well as the adjacent flight line, causing damage to several helicopters. One such mortar landed right outside of Thomsen’s tent, probably about 6 feet away, leaving a large hole about 2-3 feet deep 4-5 feet wide. The pressure from the blast knocked Thomsen over and he crawled under his bed for cover and stayed there until the attack stopped. At the time Thomsen didn't realize he had been injured. Once the attacks stopped everyone was running throughout the camp to help others. A few hours later, Thomsen was treated at the medical facility within the camp where they removed shrapnel from his right elbow and he, “thankfully, was released for duty that day.”
Along with the Purple Heart, SP5 Thomsen was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal With Device, and more.
Married, Dale Thomsen is the proud father of three daughters. Since leaving the military Dale has continued to serve his fellow veterans through his work as Vice President of the 14th Transportation Battalion Association, the AMVETS, and DAV. He is also active in his community as a member of the Eagles and a volunteer for his church.
Video from the capstone “Welcome Home” rally can be found here: https://fb.watch/nqz4A4evzK/.
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located just north of West Point, New York, near the site where General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The Badge, a purple cloth cut in the shape of a heart, was the forerunner of today’s Purple Heart medal. In addition to creation of the museum, the National Purple Heart Honor Mission was instrumental in the creation of the Purple Heart Forever stamp now issued by the US Postal Service, and the organization was the driving force behind the nation’s first official Purple Heart Commemorative Coin series, which was issued by the United States Mint in 2022.
Those wishing to learn more about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission or donate to support the Purple Heart Patriot Project should visit www.PurpleHeartMission.org.
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ABOUT THE NATIONAL PURPLE HEART HONOR MISSION
The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is an approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which supports a variety of programs to promote the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, pay tribute to our Purple Heart recipients, and educate all Americans about our combat-wounded veterans to ensure those who sacrificed for freedom are never forgotten. Learn more and support their efforts at www.PurpleHeartMission.org.